The celebs come out when Joseph Connolly is about
What is it about Joseph Connolly, the Ham&High s esteemed restaurant reviewer? Every time I meet him, celebrities seem to appear from out of the blue. A few weeks back we
From: Martin, Geoff
Sent: 01 September 2009 20:24
To: Martin, Geoff
Subject:
What is it about Joseph Connolly, the Ham&High's esteemed restaurant reviewer? Every time I meet him, celebrities seem to appear from out of the blue.
A few weeks back we were having coffee in Hampstead when in the space of a few minutes who should saunter by on a sunny Friday lunchtime than broadcaster Henry Kelly, quickly followed by a very dapper Melvyn Bragg.
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Then, a couple of Saturdays ago, I met up with Joseph at the Hampstead Tea Rooms in South End Green and who should appear but former Kink Ray Davies, whose concert at Kenwood I had missed a couple of months ago because of family commitments in County Antrim. Since I consider Ray to be one of the finest living songwriters, it was all I could do to restrain myself from charging out of the team rooms, autograph book in hand - but that really isn't the done thing in Hampstead, is it?
And a good thing to. The reason why these extraordinary people feel free to walk among us is because we respect their privacy and allow them the time and space to enjoy the simple pleasures of doing normal things amid ordinary people.
The JCCC (Joseph Connolly Celebrity Connection) must be contagious, though. Later that day I was minding my own business ambling up the hill from Crouch End when who should appear in front of me, carrying copious supplies from the Majestic Off Licence, than actor Neil Morrissey and friends. I'm glad to report that Neil wasn't behaving at all badly - on the contrary, he looked just like any other bloke planning a late summer barbecue on a sunny Saturday evening.
